After graduating a two-time state qualifier and a talented group of athletes over the past two years, maybe may count out the Pella Christian cross country team this fall.

But Head Coach Jocelyn Meinders says they have a great balance of talent and experience, and a lot of runners ready to work towards the ultimate goal of getting to state.

Meinders says a pair of seniors are contributing different kinds of leadership to the younger athletes.

“My senior boys – I’ve got Nathan Vermeer and Ben Diehl – do a great job. They’ve got very different gifts as far as leadership, which is nice. I’ve got Nathan, who’s going to be leading my runners up there and pushing them. And I’ve got Ben, who’s a great spiritual leader and encourager and someone who promotes the positive environment that we need to be successful.”

The Eagles cross country teams will run their first race at Central College on Saturday, September 1st.